Christmas trip

Hello to our long lost and probably frustrated family members and friends from the Amor e Esperanca!  Please forgive us, but we have been very busy with our AMAZING AMAZON Adventure.  The Lord put all the right people together, and has continued to amaze us and show us His Loving Hand in all that we are doing and all that we have experienced! Supplies seem to multiply like the fishes and loaves!  We arrived very late, and spent the next day regaining our strength, organizing and packing bags.  Friday we visited three villages, Saturday two, and then went back for an evening service.  Sunday, it was anchors up and six hours further up the Amazon in time for a Sunday evening service in town.  This morning back to share the good news and deliver our gifts!  Serving with such pro's is such an honor, we have newbees dubbed "princesses" who have exceeded their own expectations!  And then there are the multi trip people!  All of us have definitely been learning and growing in many ways.  We have had laughs and tears! Mostly we are learning to give it over and completely TRUST IN HIM!  This is the first trip that Amazon Outreach has actually gotten the churches in Brazil that they are partnered with to have some of their group on the boat!  We have an amazing team of young Brazillians, who have enlightened this trip even more, as you can see such a raw, honest, and true love for the Lord in all that they say and Do!  To go into the villages and be welcomed with smiles and hugs and worship with people that also show the same raw and honest love of the Lord, words just can't describe.  There are definitely no language barriers when it comes to Jesus!  This has got to be the best Christmas EVER,and goes back to the true meaning of what we are celebrating!  Without the lights, trees, pretty wrapped packages and caroling! Which has been replaced with PRAISES TO HIS BLESSED AND HOLY NAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  WE LOVE AND MISS YOU!

2nd Baptist Houston - Day 5 on the River

We have spent the entire trip on the Solimoes Tributary of the Amazon.  We are approximately 15 hours upstream from Manaus.  The trip has been an exciting experience for the team.  The river is at the lowest point it has been in over 50 years.  The river being low makes for a difficult trek to the villages.  It is definitely a workout to carry the supplies to the village. Today we are in Cuia, this village has approximately 100 families.  The ministries were extremly busy today.  VBS had over 80 kids, that was an exhausting experience.  Angela has done an excellent job leading VBS, especially with her revolving team including Chad Baze, Christine, Philip, Shawn, Michelle, Chad Butler, and Katie.  The eye glass ministry has been popular at each village.  Brian, Gary, and Mari have been busy sifting through the different prescriptions.  Medical has been popular as usual among the villagers; Rich, Christine, and Rebekah along with Dr. Pablo have made an excellent team diagnosing the Brazilians.  Elbert, Kathy, and Dr. Louis have have been performing skillful tooth extraction or as Christine says "yanking" teeth out.  The door-to-door ministry has been more of a blessing to us than the Brazilians.  The Brazilians have such a sweet heart and always insist on providing a place to sit, even if it is their only chair.  Jason, Philip, Chad Butler, Shawn, and Michelle have been fortunate to experience the blessing of door-to-door.  Mari and Chad Butler have been performing the women's and men's ministries.  Michelle has prepared the giveaways, and she has been working extremely hard to fill the bags with goodies for the ladies and teachers in the villages.  It is truly exciting to see the expression on peoples faces as they receive these donations including; tooth brushes, flip flops, tolitries, hats, fishing line, clothes, toys, and much more that people donated. 

 

Last night we had service on Vila Nova.  About 30 villagers come to hear a powerful message delivered by Dr./Pastor Pablo.  Mari and Rebekah led us in two beautiful worship songs.  Tonight we are having a service in Cuia.  We are excited to worship with this village.  Thank you for all of your prayers.  The team members can truly feel each of you lifting them up in prayer as the team continues to minister along the Amazon river.  Everybody on the boat misses their families and friends, but this has been an exciting journey that has been life changing for each trip member.

 

 

 

 

2nd Baptist Houston - Day 2 on the Amazon

Docked outside Vila Nova in the Amazons during lunch break, the crew on the boat showed some of the team members how to fish. Nothing terrribly fancy, just a simple hook, a small fish as bait on a long fishing line. They rely on their senses to feel the bite of the fish and pull at the appropriate time.  No overly complex equipment that comes with a instructional manual that requires an overnight reading to understand, no going on at the "right" time, and definitely no rules.  Cast, wait, and pull.  Worked everytime.

 

How reflective is this of the Gospel?  We tend to think that the Gospel needs to be given at the "right" time, "right" place, and "right" method.  But the truth is, when Jesus said: "Follow Me, and I will lmake you fishers of men," (Matt 4:19), He never said: "I will make you fishers of men under ________ condition," or "I will make you fisher men only if you did ____________."

 

Here in the Amazon Bend, we didn't have nice facilities to work with.  Doctors worked out of  the little corner of the pavillion, the pharmacy was nothing more a long line of plastic bins filled with medication, and VBS was the dirt field at the center of the village.  Yet we feel His strong presence here. From every breeze carrying the scent of the river to the giggles of the children, we felt Him.  And it was good. (Gen 1:37). 

 

As the villagers waited for the doctors, we shared the Gospel with them.  As the women got their nails painted, we prayed for them.  As the children watched magic tricks, we loved on them. Unconditionally, unlimited, and unhibited love.  We wanted nothing from them, no materials, no goods, no favors, but only to rejoice in the LORD as we have all been so priviledge to do so.

 

This is what doing God's work meant. This is truly the Great Commission at work.  The supplies we brought here is laughable in its adequacy, but thankfully, God came along with us.  Actually, God was here already. He has already gone before us to deliver the land to us. 

 

"Because everywhere I sent you, you shall go... For I am with you to deliver you, declared the LORD." (Jer 1:7-8)

Day 1 on the Amazon

A simple dinner, a quick change of clothing, lots and lots of bug spray later, we were groupred from our boat home Linda Espranca unto a small get boat to carry us to shore.  Complete darkness immediatley surrounds us.  No sound but the crashing waves of the river hitting the shore bank.

 

Guided only by small flashlights, we bravely cross the thin metal bar bridge, stairs that definitely have seen better days, and fields of unknown construction.  We cross this sleepy dark town, passing empty houses and dimly lit local hangouts.  It is Saturday night here, and it does not seem to carry the same glamour United States has.  Here, a few people gather at outdoor patios, with music softly playing in the background.

 

"Scorpion." Someone from our group said.

 

This caused another in the group to jump up and scream.  It is the Amazon River afterall.  The jumper fantically waved the flashlight at the ground while leaping from leg to leg to avoid the dreaded insect.

 

Nearly everyone in the group chuckled.  It wasn't the insect, But rather the band Scorpion that was playing on the television at the local hangout.

 

A 10 minute quick walk later, we see the only brightly lit building from the darkness.  There was a crowd outside,  The pastor was of small stature but big spirit was standing by the door, greeting everyone in his congregation by name.

 

Our team was rushed into the brightly lit church.  A few rows of plastic chairs followed by another few rows of wooden benches.  Little to no decoration except a few colorful drapes at the center of the altar and hung at the ceiling.  Small fans along the wall circle the air in this small place.

 

The pastor opened the service with Psalm 24:
"The earth is the Lord's, and all it contrains,
the world and those who dwell in it."

 

The congregation loudly replied to the pastor.  We understood little to nothing.  Stood when the congregation stood, and sat when they sat.  Familiar tunes begin to play, some of us began to mutter the lyrics in English, doing our best to fit in.

 

But God had better plans than just letting us fit in.

 

The pastor grabbed the guitar and began singing a tune obviously familiar to his congregation, but not to our foreign ears.  Unable to pretend we knew any further, we shut our lips, closed our eyes, and was suddently hit by God's presence.

 

In this small church of no air conditioning, no songbooks, no fancy artwork/equipments, God is present. His Spirit was filling this place wall to wall.  Only with our eyes closed and hearts aligned, we understood that nothing mattered by God now.

 

We look at the faces of everyone here.  This is what worshipping is.  In a town so far away from it all, In this town of unpaved roads and limited supplies, these people worshipped the Lord.  This small town possibly forgotten by most, has not been forgotten by God.

 

As our sister Rebehak shared tonight, she leaned on Jesus through Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust the LORD with all your hearts,
and lean not on your own understanding,
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will set your paths straight."

 

This small town has little understanding of the world. It leans not on science, reason, philosophy, nor anything else us from the U.S. are so easily distracted by.  Instead, this simple life town trusts in the LORD.  With glowing faces, they shouted their acknowledgements to the LORD proudly.

 

And God is here.
He is here indeed.

Day 3 of Clinic: Perpetuo Socorro

From Tuesday, 2 November

 

Today we moved to a new community on the Amazon called Perpetuo Socorro.  This little village is the home to approximately 65 families whose wooden, open-air houses are connected by trampled paths through the high rainforest grass and fruit trees.  It was evident during our afternoon walk through the village that it is an area of rich natural agriculture.  Growing wild on the plateau were bananas, mangoes, papayas, grapes, passion fruit, acai, cacao, and cashew (the acidic yellow-red fruit that accompanies the raw nut we know as "cashew").  The locals showed us a dozen recently-born piglets who frantically squealed when our mischevious young tour guide picked them up.  Marco, one of the staff members of Amazon Outreach, also taught us the traditional process of harvesting and preparing manioc root, one of the customary foods of the villagers.

 

We set up clinic in a dilapidated, wooden open-air barn overlooking the Amazon.  Approximately 104 patients congregated at the site to receive medical and dental care, some of whom had walked over 1.5 hours throiugh the humid, 100-degree heat to arrive.  The primary health issues we encountered were worms and lower back pain, both of which stem from the villagers'  dependence on unpurified river water.  The lack of water purification made the spread of worms inevitable, and the steep trek up the rocky, mud bank carrying drinking water, fishing equipment, and laundry from the river to their homes was certainly a major cause of the presistent back pain.  During the morning, Molly and a partnering physician from Bolivia treated a young boy who had been bitten by a piranha four days earlier on his hand.  The wound site was severely swollen, and countless tiny teeth were still embedded in his finger. 

 

The clinic became an event in the village, and many of the patients and their families stayed throughout the day to participate in community education classes on water sanitation, CPR and first aid, sexually transmitted diseases, and nutrition.  Molly even sponsored a Baseball 101 workshop to introduce the All-American sport to Brazil.  Although baseball didn't seem to inspire quite the same enthusiasm as soccer, all went well until Paige commented, "Sometimes in America, we like to heckle the batter.... Hey Batter, Batter!"  The batter was understandably baffled, as you might imagine, but the game continued!

 

As we all hit the hammocks after nightfall, we made one rather disconcerting new discovery: dozens of bats circling the waters around our boat in search of insects for dinner (which, for the record, are not in low supply).  Dr. Ray even woke to one hanging from the rafters of the boat.  Perhaps that rabies vaccine wasn't such a bad idea after all...

 

For more information on International Medical Relief, visit www.internationalmedicalrelief.org. 

Day 2 of Clinic: Back to Novo Remanso

From Monday, 1 November

 

Today was our second day in Novo Remanso... and word of the clinic spread like wildfire within the community.  Over 175 new patients came to the medical clinic, and the doctors diagnosed many conditions similar to the day before, including a large number of worms, urinary tract infections, and some fungal rashes.  The most endearing patient landed in the caring hands of Dr. Ray: Daniel, a little boy of just seven years had undergone surgery three years prior to remove a lung tumor.  The operation had left Daniel with scars stretching literally around his torso and a tracheotomy tube--but nonetheless, Daniel sported the most genuine grin of any little one who walked in the doors of the clinic.

 

The dental clinic was in tremendously high demand today.  Dr. Mulvany and Mary saw 49 patients and completed 20 extractions, half of which were difficult surgical extractions.  During the past two days, we have seen a great deal of tooth decay in patients as young as 4 or 5 years old.  We discovered that the villagers have a problematic candy habit, and the constant consumption of inexpensive hard, sugary candies has inevitably impacted their dental health.  For one patient, the problem had converted into a medical issue, and we couldn't help but smile at the diagnosis:

 

"Major complaint -

No appetite, only wants to eat candy, feels like she needs to throw up after she eats, but can't.  x 1 mo. When she eats candy, it gets worse.

 

Diagnosis -

Tooth decay

 

Prescription/Treatment -

Need to see dentist"

 

And that is precisely why Dr. Mulvany's services were in such high demand! 

 

A report of the day's events would be incomplete without mention of Wendal.  Early in the day, a charming, loquacious little 7-year old came into clinic and, for both our fun and his, Wendal faithfully stayed with the traige nurses all day long to help treat and care for patients.  With little Wendal, there was never a dull moment.  During lunch, he exclaimed, " You are all so white you look like angels!" -- which was our first indicator that even the constant Amazon sun hasn't given us a tan that can rival the beautifully, dark mocha skin of the Amazonian villagers we've met.  Perhaps best of all was Wendal's attempt to woo and charm our very own Bryn Mayfield.  At the end of the day, he gave her a blue plastic bracelet and ... a metal ring.  So, for any of Bryn's relatives reading, please be aware that she has been promised to a Brazilian fiance right here in the Amazon.

 

Tomorrow we are moving east on the Amazon to set up clinic in three small villages in the region Costa da Conceicao.  We will keep you posted!

 

For more information on International Medical Relief, visit www.internationalmedicalrelief.org. 

 

Day 1 of Clinic: Novo Remanso

From Sunday, October 31

 

The sun rose this morning at 5:30am, and the bright light pouring into our hammocks woke us up literally at the crack of dawn.  Today was our first day of clinic, and after we boated to shore and walked through the dustry roads into town, we landed ourselves in Novo Remanso--the home of 6000 Brazilians.  The town received us with enthusiasm and warm smiles, and when we began setting up in their local clinic, a few little curious children were peering in through the doorway.

 

During our 8-hour day in Novo Remanso, there was a constant stream of families and patients.  The team doctors examined over 150 patients whose chief complaints ranged from work-related arthritis to yeast infections to a soon-to-be mother in labor.  The most common diagnoses included worms, urinary tract infections, and upper respiratory infections.  One family was treated for scabies, and Alex, our resident burn ICU nurse, even treated secondary burns on a young boy's shins from a motorcycle accident.  The dental clinic was swamped all day, as well, and treated over 30 patients.  Dr. Mulvany and his team extracted 17 teeth, 2 of which were surgical cases.

 

Since Novo Remanso is the largest community we'll be visiting this week, we will be returning to the town tomorrow.  After the sun set, we all gathered on the upper deck of the boat to organize the medication and count pills in anticipation of another flood of patients tomorrow.  With Bob Marley playing in the background and bugs dive-bombing us in the dim lighting, there couldn't be a better way to end our first day of clinic in the Amazon.

 

For more information on International Medical Relief, visit www.internationalmedicalrelief.org.

International Medical Relief has arrived!

From Saturday, October 30

 

After a full day of traveling, we are thrilled to say that the IMR team to the Amazon has arrived in Manaus, Brazil!  We spent our first day adjusting to "river life" on our boat, the "Linda Esperanca" ("Beautiful Hope" in Portuguese): from the thickness of the hot, humid air to the colorful hammocks strung from the rafters, every detail of our surroundings is a reminder of the amazing week we have ahead.

 

After getting settled on the boat at 3am last night, this morning was a much-needed opportunity to rest and relax.  Despite airline delays, we were so glad that Andrea finally arrived in Manaus, and soon after her arrival, we began our journey east on the Rio Negro.  About 1.5 hours downstream, we crossed the " meeting of the rivers": an amazing place where two waterways--the dark, muddy waters of the Rio Negro and the lighter Amazon--converge.  For hundreds of yards, the waters remain separate like water and oil... a phenomenon so unique that it is only found one other place in the world.  Today was also our first opportunity to drink in the deep oranges and rusty reds of the Amazon sunset.  All in all, it's been an amazing introduction to life on the river.

 

The major success of the day, though, has been getting to know the rest of the team--dare I say it, team bonding!  Conversation and laughter are never lacking, and even though we have spent just under a day together, it already feels like we've developed a real sense of comraderie and friendship.  Jed, the Executive Director of Amazon Outreach, promised that we'll be like family by the end of the trip--and I suppose that given our overlapping hammocks and the cozy quarters of the boat, it's only to be expected.

 

For more information on International Medical Relief, visit www.internationalmedicalrelief.org

BAPTISM on the Amazon, July 2, 2010

What a glorious morning on the Amazon!  Shortly after sunrise at exactly 6:15 A.M. the Linda Esperanca came to a gradual stop.  On a secluded beach surrounded by red rocky cliffs our youngest member of the mission team was baptised in the Amazon River.  Nine-year-old Megan Nicole Hudson was immersed in the water in Christian baptism by her father, Dr. Kevin Hudson.  Megan gave her heart  to Jesus when she was six years old, but she chose this special time and place to show the world the picture of her decision to follow her Savior.  Megan has been one of the hardest workers on this trip.  She did not come to play.  She came to serve.  She has the sweetest spirit and the most willing heart.  Cecil Jackson prayed for Megan following the baptism.  Members of the mission team clapped and cheered as they looked on.  We all look forward to watching Megan grow and to see how God will use her for His glory.

 

We will spend the rest of this day moving toward Manaus.  We will have a blast shooting balloons filled with candy (bonbons), little toys, and Portuguese Scriptures to the people who live along the river.  We use a giant sling shot to send them great distances. 

 

The CWBC Amazon Mission Trip is coming to a close.  God bless you all for caring enough to read our blog!  Ciao!

 

 

Monday Continued and Tuesday - Thursday, June 29 - July 1, 2010

...CONTINUED FROM MONDAY NIGHT, June 28, 2010

What is a mission trip without a little suspense and a little adventure?  Late Monday afternoon the Linda Esperanca got STUCK on a sandbar!  The crew used the small motor boats to transport all the passengers to a large pier where we sat for about an hour watching the skilled sailors try and try again until finally they were successful.  One of our young ladies was in the shower while all of this was happening, so she was a little surprised to find that she was the only one on the boat.  After dinner we went alligator hunting.  There is nothing more thrilling than launching out into the wide Amazon in the night in a small boat with only the stars and the moon to guide us.  Each boat that went out came back with a gator.  One group brought back a giant jacare and the other boat caught a beauty that was a bit smaller.  The post hunt festivities went on into the night with laughter and photo sessions until we finally released the gators back into the river.

 

TUESDAY IN SAO BENEDITO, June 29, 2010,

The unique village of Sao Benedito brought many surprises.  The entry to the eighty-family village has been nicknamed "The Thigh Master" and "The Stairway to Heaven".  We had to walk across a long, rustic plank bridge and then straight up the steepest set of stairs yet.  There were 65 double-side stairs that shot straight up to the sky.  Our calves and thighs certainly got a workout!   Many of us discovered our divine appointments in this village.  We had the great privilege of seeing sorrow turn to joy right before our very eyes.  Listening and obeying the voice of God was a great lesson learned.  After five encounters with one extremely sad woman, we realized that we were in the midst of some serious spiritual warfare.  The day ended with this precious woman accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior.  The clinics, VBS, and the men's and women's ministries were very busy and fruitful all day long.  The father of one of our translators previously established a sports ministry in Sao Benedito.  It reaches out to 85 kids ranging from ages 7 - 20.  Our team enjoyed playing soccer with these young people. 120 photographs were taken of the families in the village and presented to them in homemade fun-foam frames that were made before the trip.  We fell in love with these warm and loving people.  Many found this village very difficult to leave. 

 

WEDNESDAY IN AMANDIO, June 30, 2010

The village of Amandio was extremely picturesque .  Fifty-seven families work hard to keep their colorful village clean and tidy.  There were houses painted in shades of pink, blue, purple, and green.  Exotic flowers were in bloom everywhere.  Pet parrots and monkeys entertained us as we walked the paths visiting with the people.  There were 112 precious children in VBS.  They showed their respect by removing their shoes before entering the small wooden church building.  43 women had a meaningful afternoon in the Women's Ministry.  They studied the Bible, heard testimonies, and made name bracelets.  It was heartwarming to watch the single-file trail of proud women toting pink bags on their way to their homes.  Each woman received a pink bag full of useful things such cup towels, hot pads, and sewing kits.   The Men's Ministry was especially powerful in Amandio.  A large group of men gathered to talk about Challenges Facing Our Families.  It was good to find these men willing to talk about their concerns.  They received much needed pocket knives, fishing line, fish hooks, and ball caps.  The Evangelism Team spent the day meeting new friends and talking to them about their lives.  They were shown alligator meat hanging on outdoor poles to dry.  They heard one very sad tale about a little boy who had been carried away by an alligator while his mother washed clothes in the river.  The alligator was so fast that there was no chance of saving the child.  At one house a little boy was in a lot of trouble because he had accidentally spilled his chocolate milk into the only generator shared with several families.  The child was distraught, but the story ended well due to the patience of the adults. Everyone on the mission team agreed that this was the hottest day so far. The people of Amandio were receptive at the outdoor worship service.  We all returned to the boat very tired but with full hearts. 

 

THURSDAY IN PARI, July 1 2010

Thursday began well before dawn for some of our more adventurous people!  The word was out that the village of Pari is home to the ancient and very rare Strangler Fig (Apuiceiro) tree.  We dressed in the dark, gathered rain gear, and set out in the misting rain in search of this natural phenomenon.  After several disappointments, one was spotted.  It was impressive to touch and photograph this tree that we had only read about in books about the Amazon Rainforest.  We spent the morning in the calm and peaceful village of Pari.  Two toucans delighted us as they flew overhead!  Cows ambled throughout the village.  At one point it looked like they were going to try to get on the boat to come home with us.  The people were gracious.  The children were very well behaved and appreciative.  In VBS the children were adorable as they donned elaborate costumes and put on the play of the Birth of Christ.  They made their own jeweled crowns and wore them the rest of the day.  Even the adults were wearing these bright and glitzy crowns around the village.  One woman in the village was trying to matchmake her grandson with one of our beautiful American princesses.  It seems that we connected wholeheartedly with these charming friends.  We had our usual ministries, and many say this was their very favorite village of the entire trip.  Back on the boat, Cecil washed the feet of all the people on the mission.  This is a very humbling and touching experience.

 

HOMEWARD BOUND

As this blog is being written, we are having a relaxing cruise down the Amazon heading toward Manaus. A school of pink river dolphins are very near the boat at this moment.  The sun is setting, and it will be our last time to see this splendid sight until next summer.  It will be a very long trip (twenty-four hours from the time we began).  All the supplies have been sorted, and the things we did not use were given to the full-time missionaries who live and minister to the people along the river.  We are having a dinner party tonight honoring the very fine crew and translators on the boat.  The music is setting the mood and our teenagers are decorating the tables with palm trees and flamingo blow-ups.  Without our Brazilian partners we could not do what we set out to do.  Our plans are to stop early Friday afternoon at "Stuckeys on the Amazon", the floating outdoor market where we will purchase some souvenirs.  We have some rooms reserved at the Tropical Hotel in Manaus where we will take hot showers and change from our river rat clothes into traveling clothes.  We will not spend the night this year due to our flight times.  We have heard that Erika, Vanderley, and little Emmanuelle  (missionaries from previous trips) are already in Manaus and will meet us for a short visit.  Everyone is anticipating a dinner at Galucho's, the original Brazilian steakhouse where they serve meat on swords.  We will go straight to the airport for the long flight home.  It will be sad to leave, but we leave with a great sense of accomplishment, renewed faith, and a deeper relationship with our Lord. 

Monday Continued and Tuesday - Thursday, June 29 - July 1, 2010

...CONTINUED FROM MONDAY NIGHT, June 28, 2010

What is a mission trip without a little suspense and a little adventure?  Late Monday afternoon the Linda Esperanca got STUCK on a sandbar!  The crew used the small motor boats to transport all the passengers to a large pier where we sat for about an hour watching the skilled sailors try and try again until finally they were successful.  One of our young ladies was in the shower while all of this was happening, so she was a little surprised to find that she was the only one on the boat.  After dinner we went alligator hunting.  There is nothing more thrilling than launching out into the wide Amazon in the night in a small boat with only the stars and the moon to guide us.  Each boat that went out came back with a gator.  One group brought back a giant jacare and the other boat caught a beauty that was a bit smaller.  The post hunt festivities went on into the night with laughter and photo sessions until we finally released the gators back into the river.

 

TUESDAY IN SAO BENEDITO, June 29, 2010,

The unique village of Sao Benedito brought many surprises.  The entry to the eighty-family village has been nicknamed "The Thigh Master" and "The Stairway to Heaven".  We had to walk across a long, rustic plank bridge and then straight up the steepest set of stairs yet.  There were 65 double-side stairs that shot straight up to the sky.  Our calves and thighs certainly got a workout!   Many of us discovered our divine appointments in this village.  We had the great privilege of seeing sorrow turn to joy right before our very eyes.  Listening and obeying the voice of God was a great lesson learned.  After five encounters with one extremely sad woman, we realized that we were in the midst of some serious spiritual warfare.  The day ended with this precious woman accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior.  The clinics, VBS, and the men's and women's ministries were very busy and fruitful all day long.  The father of one of our translators previously established a sports ministry in Sao Benedito.  It reaches out to 85 kids ranging from ages 7 - 20.  Our team enjoyed playing soccer with these young people. 120 photographs were taken of the families in the village and presented to them in homemade fun-foam frames that were made before the trip.  We fell in love with these warm and loving people.  Many found this village very difficult to leave. 

 

WEDNESDAY IN AMANDIO, June 30, 2010

The village of Amandio was extremely picturesque .  Fifty-seven families work hard to keep their colorful village clean and tidy.  There were houses painted in shades of pink, blue, purple, and green.  Exotic flowers were in bloom everywhere.  Pet parrots and monkeys entertained us as we walked the paths visiting with the people.  There were 112 precious children in VBS.  They showed their respect by removing their shoes before entering the small wooden church building.  43 women had a meaningful afternoon in the Women's Ministry.  They studied the Bible, heard testimonies, and made name bracelets.  It was heartwarming to watch the single-file trail of proud women toting pink bags on their way to their homes.  Each woman received a pink bag full of useful things such cup towels, hot pads, and sewing kits.   The Men's Ministry was especially powerful in Amandio.  A large group of men gathered to talk about Challenges Facing Our Families.  It was good to find these men willing to talk about their concerns.  They received much needed pocket knives, fishing line, fish hooks, and ball caps.  The Evangelism Team spent the day meeting new friends and talking to them about their lives.  They were shown alligator meat hanging on outdoor poles to dry.  They heard one very sad tale about a little boy who had been carried away by an alligator while his mother washed clothes in the river.  The alligator was so fast that there was no chance of saving the child.  At one house a little boy was in a lot of trouble because he had accidentally spilled his chocolate milk into the only generator shared with several families.  The child was distraught, but the story ended well due to the patience of the adults. Everyone on the mission team agreed that this was the hottest day so far. The people of Amandio were receptive at the outdoor worship service.  We all returned to the boat very tired but with full hearts. 

 

THURSDAY IN PARI, July 1 2010

Thursday began well before dawn for some of our more adventurous people!  The word was out that the village of Pari is home to the ancient and very rare Strangler Fig (Apuiceiro) tree.  We dressed in the dark, gathered rain gear, and set out in the misting rain in search of this natural phenomenon.  After several disappointments, one was spotted.  It was impressive to touch and photograph this tree that we had only read about in books about the Amazon Rainforest.  We spent the morning in the calm and peaceful village of Pari.  Two toucans delighted us as they flew overhead!  Cows ambled throughout the village.  At one point it looked like they were going to try to get on the boat to come home with us.  The people were gracious.  The children were very well behaved and appreciative.  In VBS the children were adorable as they donned elaborate costumes and put on the play of the Birth of Christ.  They made their own jeweled crowns and wore them the rest of the day.  Even the adults were wearing these bright and glitzy crowns around the village.  One woman in the village was trying to matchmake her grandson with one of our beautiful American princesses.  It seems that we connected wholeheartedly with these charming friends.  We had our usual ministries, and many say this was their very favorite village of the entire trip.  Back on the boat, Cecil washed the feet of all the people on the mission.  This is a very humbling and touching experience.

 

HOMEWARD BOUND

As this blog is being written, we are having a relaxing cruise down the Amazon heading toward Manaus. A school of pink river dolphins are very near the boat at this moment.  The sun is setting, and it will be our last time to see this splendid sight until next summer.  It will be a very long trip (twenty-four hours from the time we began).  All the supplies have been sorted, and the things we did not use were given to the full-time missionaries who live and minister to the people along the river.  We are having a dinner party tonight honoring the very fine crew and translators on the boat.  The music is setting the mood and our teenagers are decorating the tables with palm trees and flamingo blow-ups.  Without our Brazilian partners we could not do what we set out to do.  Our plans are to stop early Friday afternoon at "Stuckeys on the Amazon", the floating outdoor market where we will purchase some souvenirs.  We have some rooms reserved at the Tropical Hotel in Manaus where we will take hot showers and change from our river rat clothes into traveling clothes.  We will not spend the night this year due to our flight times.  We have heard that Erika, Vanderley, and little Emmanuelle  (missionaries from previous trips) are already in Manaus and will meet us for a short visit.  Everyone is anticipating a dinner at Galucho's, the original Brazilian steakhouse where they serve meat on swords.  We will go straight to the airport for the long flight home.  It will be sad to leave, but we leave with a great sense of accomplishment, renewed faith, and a deeper relationship with our Lord. 

Monday in Vila Candida June 28, 2010

Oi!  Today was such a productive day for everyone as we visited the gorgeous village of Vila Candida.  Due to the fact that it was the very first time that this village has been visited by one of the boats, we completely changed our schedule for the day.  Early in the morning we gathered together with the whole village and had a time of introductions of the American team, a powerful personal testimony, and preaching by Dr. Pablo.  He spoke on Revelation 3:20 and spoke of Jesus being our gift from God and how we need to accept it.  The people graciously accepted us and our message.  The history of this village is quite interesting.  It is predominantly Catholic and has not been open to outsiders for fear that a new religion would be introduced into the village.  When the AO boats would come to this area of the Amazon, the Vila Candida people would go the nearby villages to receive services.  This time the Linda Esperanca was invited by the village president to come.  The blonde haired, blue eyed Catholic priest from England also gave his approval for an AO visit after meeting some of the Brazilian team at an earlier date.  The village saw that it was simply the love of God that we are offering.  

 

Entry into the village was unique to say the least.  We had to walk across a primitive wooden bridge that stretched around a quarter of a mile over the water.  From there it was an uphill climb that left some of us breathless. This village is a microcosm of exquisite flora and fauna.  The pink dolphins and water buffalo have entertained us.   We feel like we have been in paradise all day long.

 

In the morning the lines for each ministry were extremely long.  The doctors saw 120, the dentist pulled about 7 teeth, 80 pairs of eyeglasses were given out, VBS had 120 children, and Ladies Ministry was well received.  Because of the big World Cup game between Brazil and Chile, the afternoon was flexible.  Part of the team watched Brazil win 3-0 with villagers who had televisions.  The rest of the team took the most awesome rainforest hike led by one of our Brazilian interpreters.  He is a high school English teacher in Manaus who has written a book entitled Growing Up on the Amazon.  He told us about many of the trees, plants, fruits, birds, and animals in this area.  Some local children accompanied us.  At one point we thought we heard the sound of monkeys in the trees.  We were so excited, but we discovered that it was the little boys who had crafted whistles from a plant stem that sounded just like monkeys.  Many natural artifacts were collected and brought back to the boat to examine. 

 

Stay tuned for the next blog.  Tonight is the night of the alligator hunt! 

Monday in Vila Candida June 28, 2010

Oi!  Today was such a productive day for everyone as we visited the gorgeous village of Vila Candida.  Due to the fact that it was the very first time that this village has been visited by one of the boats, we completely changed our schedule for the day.  Early in the morning we gathered together with the whole village and had a time of introductions of the American team, a powerful personal testimony, and preaching by Dr. Pablo.  He spoke on Revelation 3:20 and spoke of Jesus being our gift from God and how we need to accept it.  The people graciously accepted us and our message.  The history of this village is quite interesting.  It is predominantly Catholic and has not been open to outsiders for fear that a new religion would be introduced into the village.  When the AO boats would come to this area of the Amazon, the Vila Candida people would go the nearby villages to receive services.  This time the Linda Esperanca was invited by the village president to come.  The blonde haired, blue eyed Catholic priest from England also gave his approval for an AO visit after meeting some of the Brazilian team at an earlier date.  The village saw that it was simply the love of God that we are offering.  

 

Entry into the village was unique to say the least.  We had to walk across a primitive wooden bridge that stretched around a quarter of a mile over the water.  From there it was an uphill climb that left some of us breathless. This village is a microcosm of exquisite flora and fauna.  The pink dolphins and water buffalo have entertained us.   We feel like we have been in paradise all day long.

 

In the morning the lines for each ministry were extremely long.  The doctors saw 120, the dentist pulled about 7 teeth, 80 pairs of eyeglasses were given out, VBS had 120 children, and Ladies Ministry was well received.  Because of the big World Cup game between Brazil and Chile, the afternoon was flexible.  Part of the team watched Brazil win 3-0 with villagers who had televisions.  The rest of the team took the most awesome rainforest hike led by one of our Brazilian interpreters.  He is a high school English teacher in Manaus who has written a book entitled Growing Up on the Amazon.  He told us about many of the trees, plants, fruits, birds, and animals in this area.  Some local children accompanied us.  At one point we thought we heard the sound of monkeys in the trees.  We were so excited, but we discovered that it was the little boys who had crafted whistles from a plant stem that sounded just like monkeys.  Many natural artifacts were collected and brought back to the boat to examine. 

 

Stay tuned for the next blog.  Tonight is the night of the alligator hunt! 

Sunday in Cameta June 27, 2010

Huge yellow full moon over the Amazon - millions of stars in the night sky,  the Southern Cross - all these things make us ever so aware of how great is our God.  The night air is cool in comparison to the scorching heat from the day.  We have had two magnificent days and nights here on the Amazon.  Our hearts are so full.  There is no peace like the peace that comes as we serve!  This year's trip is quite different from the trips we have taken over the past eight years.  The villages we are visiting are very large.  Barreirinha is actually a small city. 

 

On Saturday we visited Terra Preta Village and served approximately 313 families. Terra Preta was at one time a very violent village, but now it is full of gracious, loving people.  Many of the ministries such as eyeglasses served 85 people.  There were 80 in the medical clinic.  The Women's Ministry brought truth to the women in some highly creative ways.  The 45 Brazilian ladies were very responsive to the message about gifts that are ours from God.  The VBS had around 200 children!   The VBS featured our youth who presented The Fruits of the Spirit in a lively skit that involved the children. 

 

Sunday we moved on the village Cameta'.  We took a deep breath as we saw the steep stone steps leading to the hilltop village.  We found that there were 66 steps, but we were going up and down them with ease by the end of the day.  We were thankful that no one fell.  We certainly appreciate the awesome Brazilian interpreters who carried our big boxes of supplies on their heads.  This village has 5000 people!  The lines were long for the morning and afternoon ministries.  The fine doctors worked with 99 patients.  Our darling Brazilian dentist, Danielle, has wowed us all with her calm and gentle ways, not to mention her youth.  VBS has done an amazing job considering the large numbers of children.  Today they had 157!  The morning lesson was on The Good Samaritan, and the afternoon lesson was on The Lost Sheep.  The evangelism team has gone into private homes of the people and spent hours visiting with the people and hearing their stories.  It has been very productive.  The Women's Ministry passed out a total of 32 gift bags that were greatly appreciated. 

 

We all have countless stories to tell about how this trip has already impacted our lives!  The testimonies that have been shared on the boat, the testimonies given in the evening worship services, and the mircles we have heard about and have seen with our own eyes are changing us from the inside out.  It is so wonderful to be a part of a team that is working together with a single-minded purpose.  Stay tuned for the next blog.  Monday will be unique, because it will be the very first time that the Amazon Outreach boat is going to be allowed into this village.    SR Blogger

Friday in Barreirinha June 25, 2010

Bom Dia!  Oi from the beautiful Linda Esperanca!  The CWBC team arrived safe and sound in Brazil at midnight.  Everything went smoothly as we flew to Atlanta and on to Manaus.  We had no problems with luggage this year.  The loving crew met us at the airport and escorted us by bus to the boat.  After a restful night's sleep, we spent the day sorting all of the things we brought for the people of the Amazon. Excitement was in the air today as the Brazilian colors flew high throughout the streets of Barreirinha.  It was a national holiday, because Brazil played Portugal in South Africa in the World Cup compeition.  We came here to bring Jesus to the people of Brazil, and we did!  45 children attended VBS.  65 patients were seen in the medical clinic.  6 patients were seen by the dentist. An evangelism team went door to door, and the people were so gracious and accepting.  Many adults and children accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour as the Evangecube was presented.  Tonight we had a very inspirational worship service at the front porch church of the pastor in Barreirinha.  Everyone is extremely happy and well.  The salvations of the children and adults at this service thrilled us.  Please stay tuned for more blog entries.  We have just figured out how to use the blogging equipment.  God bless you all!    The CWBC June 23 - July 3 Team
 

BTBF #5 - 06/17/2010

Today was an excellent day on the Amazon!! We started out in Villa Amazonas, which is a fairly large village. We met Pastor Luciano who is the pastor of the Baptist Church in Villa Amazonas. We had a wonderful VBS session with the village children and we all had a wonderful time. The kids loved the lion costumes when we told the story of Daniel in the lion's den. Several evangelism groups went out today and there were numerous decisions made for Christ. One woman had the words "Jesus lives here" written in Portugese on the front of her house. This is significant because there is a great deal of religious persecution in the Amazon. We got back on the boat for lunch and traveled to Parintines. Before we got to Parintines, though, we stopped along the way to swim in the Amazon!! What an awesome experience!! Actually everyone swam the Am but not me because I promised my son I would not!!! Five of the Americans were baptised in the Amazon by Pastor Elmer today. That was pretty amazing!! We celebrated Kandal's birthday with a surprise birthday cake at lunch and she was one of the five who was baptised. We spent the afternoon in Parintines and Pastor Elmer gave us a tour of the Baptist school and the Baptist church and provided us with a history of the growth of the church in Parintines. We got drenched in an afternoon downpour while we were making our way to the church. We had dinner guests which included pastors, missionaries and their families. After dinner Phyllis treated us all to ice cream at McDaves. Some of us were talked into trying the corn ice cream (Sadie), it was not good!!! Today was the last day of our ministry time in the villages, tomorrow we'll send balloons over the boat full of candy and a Bible verse to the children in the villages on the way to Manaus. It's been a great trip for our team and we've all been touched by the miracles God has revealed to us. It's sad to leave this place but we're looking forward to being home with you all and sharing more of our stories. We appreciate your continued prayers for our safe travel back to the U.S. In God's service,

Allison, Sadie, Hugh and the Linda Esperanza team

 

BTBF #4 - 06/16/2010

Oi from Santa Terezinha, Brazil! While the day ended with amazing tales of changed lives - far beyond what we could have imagined - it began with a VERY obnoxious rooster who crowed in Portuguese LONG before the sun came up!! Hank, our youngest team member, was threatening to take that bird out!!

Today was a day made of wonderful memories and stories that we can't wait to share with you! One story in particular was told by Dr. Mike which gave the whole boat gospel goosebumps. A 24-year old man came to him and told him about a really bad dream he had the night before we arrived. In the dream demons were attacking him and then a Christ-like figure handed him a sword to fight the demons. Next a character like satan told him that he was sending a small boat of demons to fight him. However, the Christ-like figure said that he would send a larger boat full of angels! Then, he saw our boat the next morning and thought that we were the angels. Dr. Mike told him that we weren't angels but that we were definitely protected by angels and so are he and his two sons.

The leaders of the men's ministry each shared their life experience and witnessed more than 20 changed lives as men prayed to accept Christ for the first time. The women in the women's ministry were very engaged in listening to what the leaders had to say as they each shared their own testimonies with them. Jacy, one of our translators said it was quite apparent that women from very different cultures can share in the same types of struggles. It was great to see how this realization impacted the women of the village and opened them up to hearing the gospel.

In the children's ministry we hosted over 100 kids and taught lessons from the Bible. The team prayed that the kids would receive more than just a story but the true love of Christ. God blessed us by letting us know that we did minister to them because as our boat was leaving the children gathered at the shore to chant the names of the some of the team and to say "Tchau, te ama!" (bye, we love you!)! As you can imagine we each left a little piece of our hearts in Santa Terezinha!

We're looking forward to tomorrow and Paratins as we'll mainly be focused on Childrens Ministry. Thank you all for your continued prayers. We love you and miss you all,

Jamie, Susanna, Bethany and Mechiel

BTBF #4 - 06/16/2010

Oi from Santa Terezinha, Brazil! While the day ended with amazing tales of changed lives - far beyond what we could have imagined - it began with a VERY obnoxious rooster who crowed in Portuguese LONG before the sun came up!! Hank, our youngest team member, was threatening to take that bird out!!

Today was a day made of wonderful memories and stories that we can't wait to share with you! One story in particular was told by Dr. Mike which gave the whole boat gospel goosebumps. A 24-year old man came to him and told him about a really bad dream he had the night before we arrived. In the dream demons were attacking him and then a Christ-like figure handed him a sword to fight the demons. Next a character like satan told him that he was sending a small boat of demons to fight him. However, the Christ-like figure said that he would send a larger boat full of angels! Then, he saw our boat the next morning and thought that we were the angels. Dr. Mike told him that we weren't angels but that we were definitely protected by angels and so are he and his two sons.

The leaders of the men's ministry each shared their life experience and witnessed more than 20 changed lives as men prayed to accept Christ for the first time. The women in the women's ministry were very engaged in listening to what the leaders had to say as they each shared their own testimonies with them. Jacy, one of our translators said it was quite apparent that women from very different cultures can share in the same types of struggles. It was great to see how this realization impacted the women of the village and opened them up to hearing the gospel.

In the children's ministry we hosted over 100 kids and taught lessons from the Bible. The team prayed that the kids would receive more than just a story but the true love of Christ. God blessed us by letting us know that we did minister to them because as our boat was leaving the children gathered at the shore to chant the names of the some of the team and to say "Tchau, te ama!" (bye, we love you!)! As you can imagine we each left a little piece of our hearts in Santa Terezinha!

We're looking forward to tomorrow and Paratins as we'll mainly be focused on Childrens Ministry. Thank you all for your continued prayers. We love you and miss you all,

Jamie, Susanna, Bethany and Mechiel

BTBF - 06/15/2010

Dear loved ones back home,

Today was our fourth day on the ever so beautiful Amazon River. After a refreshing nights sleep, we awoke to a spectacular sunrise; and embarked on the second village we will be visiting during our travels in Brazil, Santa Terezinha. We divided into our respective groups and set out to do God's work. The children quickly assembled as VBS got underway while other villagers attended our medical and dental clinics. We soon noticed that the atmosphere of this village was much different than that of Palhal. Though this village was larger and the structures more stable, the atmosphere seemed to be a bit 'darker' than what we have experienced the last couple of days.

We finished our morning ministries and broke for lunch, but our afternoon work was delayed due to Brazil's largest national holiday, the Soccer World Cup, with Brazil playing against N. Korea. Our team took part in the festivities with painted faces and nails to support our beloved Brazilians. After a glorious victory of 2-1, it was back to work. Hugh, Jaime, Sadie, Kristel, and Susanna participated in a friendly (but very competitive) soccer game with the village children. I must say, Hugh has one of the highest kicks I have ever seen, regardless of whether he hits the ball or not.

After dinner, we took part in our first alligator hunt. The first boat-full was successful and captured a baby alligator. Kartieaa nearly went overboard twice in his "elevated excitement". The second boat-full did not fare as well, but was still enjoyed by those who took part. The evening concluded with praise and worship with several of our Brazilian team members before calling it a night.

We leave you with a quote from the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan, "How we live our days, is how we live our lives". May all our days be spent living for the One who died for us. Please pray for open hearts as we visit the same village today. God bless you all and thank you for your faithful prayers.

Brent and Kristel, on behalf of our team in the Amazon

BTBF #2 - 6/13/2010

Dear friends and family-

What a wonderful day here in Palhal! God used our team today in amazing ways to tell His truth and to glorify His Name!

We ministered to the women, educating them on health/hygiene issues, the freedom believers have in Christ and how to encourage one another as they continue to raise their families in the Lord. They were each given a women's ministry gift pack.

Many teeth were pulled, much medicine was given out and many non-readers became readers through the eyeglass ministry. Water balloons were launched, Joseph modeled his coat of many colors and many hugs and smiles were exchanged in the children's ministry.

Our evangelism team was able to pray inside the Catholic church (something that is not usually allowed in any village) that the villagers would be true worshippers: worshippers in spirit and in truth. We were able to encourage an influential family in the village who are strong in their faith in Christ. We were also afforded the incredible privilege of praying with a woman who placed her faith in Jesus Christ alone for her salvation! In addition, the Lord allowed us to share the gospel and speak truth to a man who has historically been adversarial toward any teachings outside the local Catholic church. His wife appeared very interested in the New Testament we left with the family.

It was an amazing day here in the Amazon and I ask you all to pray this verse over the village of Palhal: John 14: 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

It's a beautiful, starry night here...perfect for a shower-by-moonlight on the back of the boat (in my swimsuit)...and so I wish you goodnight. We miss and love all of you and ask for your continued prayers. Much love-

Amber for the Linda Esperanca crew

Bent Tree #1 - 06/13/2010

Dear friends and family,

It's a beautiful day in the Amazon! We are so blessed to be here to share the love of Christ!! We arrived safely and got EVERY piece of luggage! We also gathered 4 new team members who travelled from Indiana (Linda, Della, Becky and Margie). We started with a visit to Sol Nascente on Saturday evening with the Alabama team and dedicated the new library with the missionaries (Erika and Vanderley). Then, on Sunday morning we arrived at the Caburi tributary and our first village, Palhal. This area is one that about half of our team visited last year. It is great to see how the people in the village have grown. They seem healthier, happier and more spiritually mature. It is very clear to see that Abimael (the mission pastor) is respected and well liked by everyone. The people are so warm and receptive to our visit. We've ministered here for 2 days and have really enjoyed seeing some familiar faces. Tomorrow we work in Santa Terezinha which is another village that we visited last year.

For those of you who worry: everyone is fine and healthy and have all the right parts still attached to the right places! Personal notes (too many stopped by with a personal request so to sum it all up): "Hi" and love to all the Moms, Dads, Brothers, Sisters, Husbands, Wives and kids, friends and other relatives... (sigh!) We wish you were here - glad we're not there! (they made me write that part!!)

Stay tuned for more news and updates, for now we gotta go to work!

Phyllis, Lee, Mechiel, etc.

The Last Day!

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy New Years! For those of you who have been around Amazon Outreach for a while I have some exciting news, our dear friend and translator Thiago Ramos got engaged last night during our New Years party! His girlfriend and her mom are serving as doctors on our trip and so we are all extremely happy for them, we had a blast bringing in the new year last night on the Amazon.

Today was definitely the most difficult day of our trip. We stopped in Bejamim Constan today and struggled meeting people because many people in the village slept in after a late night. It was a much needed "chill day" if you will because it went at a bit of a slower pace. We actually had a few interesting encounters with some Jehovah's Witnesses today that challenged us as a team. But Antonio, one of the leaders from Chapada church in Manaus encouraged us with a great verse. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. This verse really encouraged me because although we were somewhat discouraged momentarily by these people who only wanted to argue technical doctrine with us, God is much bigger than that situation and He did so many other things throughout the day worthy of praise.

One of our translators had a neat opportunity to share the gospel with a young 12 year old girl who ended up accepting Christ and Jason Delph reminded us all that that is why we came and if that is all that had happed on this whole trip it was totally worth it. My good friend Lydia Hurt also had a sweet moment with a little 4 year old boy in the midst of all the religious conversations. "I was playing with a little boy/holding him throughout the day and continued to hold him while I was listening to my mom and Mr. Delph talk to a Jahovah's witness. Because I was trying to pay attention to their conversation i was somewhat neglecting the little boys fast-paced talking. He seemed to have gotten a little frustrated and finally tapped me on the shoulder and looked me in the eyes,spoke very slowly so I could understand, and said.. "Do you have a heart?" I smiled and said "Yes i do, do you?" and he said "Yes, Jesus is inside". I told him Jesus was inside my heart also and he proceeded to ask if my mom and my sister had Jesus in their heart. I told him they did and they loved him very much. He said "does everyone on your boat have Jesus in their heart" and i told him that they did and thats why we were here. He gave me a big smile and a thumbs up. It was truly a blessing, I felt like it was God's way of saying He is still working through us, even in the life of a 4 year old little boy. In the midst of our frustration He is there and He is doing His work and is allowing us to be blessed along the way. Previously I had written verses in my journal for brazil and the verse I came to today was perfect. Luke 16:21 says "He has hidden things from the wise and revealed them to little children." How great is our God! :)

In Christ,

Landen Ellis